Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

4. Biomolecules

Carbohydrates

General Biology

4. Biomolecules

Carbohydrates

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Multiple Choice

Generally, animals cannot digest (hydrolyze) the glycosidic linkages between the glucose molecules in cellulose. How then do cows get enough nutrients from eating grass?

They have to eat a lot of grass.

Cows and other herbivores are exceptions and make some cellulose-digesting enzymes.

The flat teeth and strong stomach of herbivores break the cellulose fibers so that the cows get enough nutrition from the cell contents.

All of the listed responses are correct.

Microorganisms in their digestive tracts hydrolyze the cellulose to individual glucose units.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of cellulose: Cellulose is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, which are difficult for most animals to break down due to the lack of specific enzymes.

Recognize the role of microorganisms: Cows and other herbivores have a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms, such as bacteria and protozoa, in their digestive systems. These microorganisms possess enzymes capable of breaking down cellulose into glucose units.

Explore the digestive system of cows: Cows have a specialized stomach with multiple compartments, including the rumen, where these microorganisms reside and perform cellulose digestion.

Consider the process of fermentation: In the rumen, microorganisms ferment cellulose, producing volatile fatty acids and other byproducts that cows can absorb and utilize for energy.

Connect the digestion to nutrient absorption: After cellulose is broken down into glucose and other products, these nutrients are absorbed through the cow's digestive tract, providing the necessary energy and nutrients for the cow's survival.